Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, CA (Mar 2023)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $20,330
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Glendale.
In Glendale, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Glendale, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $34,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glendale find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,415 |
| 3 years | $-2,353 |
| 5 years | $-291 |
| 7 years | $1,771 |
| 9 years | $3,833 |
| 11 years | $5,895 |
| 13 years | $7,958 |
| 15 years | $10,020 |
| 17 years | $12,082 |
| 19 years | $14,144 |
| 21 years | $16,206 |
| 23 years | $18,268 |
| 25 years | $20,330 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Glendale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Glendale, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $42,360 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,786 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,365 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,097 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $100,981 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,018 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,209 | 4.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $146,552 | 4.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Glendale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glendale?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Glendale?
A solar panel system isn't free in Glendale, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Glendale?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Glendale?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.